Manchester United legend Gary Neville expressed his dismay after Joshua Zirkzee was subbed off during the disappointing 2-0 loss to Newcastle United last night.
It was a painful night for Man United supporters, who had to watch their team be constantly placed on the back foot by a threatening Newcastle attack at Old Trafford. While both goals were scored within 20 minutes, Ruben Amorim’s men showed few signs of finding a way back into the match despite significantly improving in the second half, particularly at shooting.
Despite the poor performances across the pitch, perhaps no player had a more difficult night than Zirkzee, who was forced to suffer the embarrassment of being substituted during the first half. While it may not have been one of Zirkzee’s better performances, Neville found it difficult to keep his feelings to himself.
“I have to feel sorry for him, I really do,” Neville stated while commentating on the match as Zirkzee made way for Kobbie Mainoo. “I know that he’s earning a lot of money, but there’s a human being in there that’s basically being cheered off by his own fans, and that is brutal.”
“Not seen that too many times at Old Trafford in the 43 years I’ve been coming here,” Neville admitted.
“I feel sorry for him, there’s a human being in there…” 🎙
Joshua Zirkzee is replaced by Kobbie Mainoo after half an hour. pic.twitter.com/v9FBAvkK3x
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 30, 2024
Straight after his substitution, a visibly distraught Zirkzee grabbed a coat from the bench and headed down the tunnel, only to re-emerge minutes later.
Following the match, Ruben Amorim revealed that the decision to take off Zirkzee was a tactical one, specifically due to the team’s need for more midfielders to gain increased control in the centre of the park.
Still, Amorim’s decision proved to be a bitter pill to swallow for Zirkzee, who was almost reduced to tears as a result of what was truly an embarrassing moment to end his year of football.
It didn’t take long after the crushing defeat for rumours surrounding the Dutch forward’s future to emerge, particularly given the previous transfer speculation that surrounded him given his tough start to life at Old Trafford.
Earlier today, The Peoples Person discussed links between Zirkzee and his former club, Bologna, with a return to the Italian team reportedly a possibility.
Juventus and AC Milan have also been listed as interested parties, making it appear as if a return to Italy is on the cards if Zirkzee’s fortunes don’t change soon.
Still, with the January transfer window opening in just a few hours, Amorim may not even have much more time to assess Zirkzee’s prospects should the player himself decide that the time has come to explore new options.
But regardless of Zirkzee’s career prospects, United fans should do some introspection over their treatment of the young forward. As Neville pointed out, he is a human being after all, and the club’s woes certainly aren’t the fault of Zirkzee alone.
Featured Image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
